Anzac Day
A crowd of 93,644 packed into the ‘G’ to see one for the ages as Essendon and Collingwood played out a thrilling draw in the Anzac Day blockbuster. Both had opportunities to win it, in the fast and frenetic latter stages of the contest, but, in the end, had to be content to share the spoils, just like they did back in 1995.
Those in attendance also witnessed what will likely be ‘Mark of the Year’ after Jamie Elliott took a ‘speccy’ whilst kneeling tall on the shoulders of Ben McKay.
In a quite remarkable achievement, Magpies midfielder Scott Pendlebury became the first-ever player in VFL/AFL history to record 10,000 career disposals.
Bombers captain Zach Merrett (31 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances, three marks and 522m gained) won the Anzac Medal with eleven votes from the panel.
The previous evening, under the lights at the famous venue. Melbourne finished strongly to eventually see off a plucky effort from Richmond and get the job done.
It was a game to remember for Daniel Turner (pictured below). In only his fourth appearance for the Demons, as he scored his first goal for the club and did it on such a big occasion.
Captain Max Gawn (26 hitouts, 23 disposals, ten marks, three tackles and a goal) won the Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes medal for a superb best-on-ground effort.
Jeremy Cameron 600-goal milestone
AFL’s two in-form teams, who will almost certainly be there come the season’s pointy end, clashed with leaders Geelong besting Carlton in a high-scoring affair.
Jeremy Cameron (pictured above) notched the 600-goal milestone of his career. In the second quarter, before going on to grab a bag of five for the Cats who sit seven-zip.
The only dampener was the loss of experienced skipper Patrick Dangerfield with a hamstring injury. This is likely to keep him on the sidelines for a couple of weeks.
Despite missing some key personnel, Greater Western Sydney was still able to flex their muscles by dismantling last year’s runners-up Brisbane in clinical fashion.
Darcy Jones (pictured below) made the most of his call-up from the VFL, where he has been shining, as he came in for the suspended Toby Greene and scored two snags on debut.
Power injury woe
Veteran forward Charlie Dixon booted four majors as an inaccurate Port Adelaide recovered from a sluggish start before getting up over a spirited St.Kilda.
However, it came at a huge cost. With the Power losing three players to injury on the night. Defender Aliir Aliir suffered a concussion from a challenge that will see Jack Higgins face the tribunal. Sam Power-Pepper is just back from suspension. He did his ACL which has put him out for the season while Connor Rozee pinged his hamstring.
Fremantle put a difficult week behind them, following last Sunday’s Western Derby horror show, with a decent showing as they overcame the Western Bulldogs.
Nat Fyfe, a 2×Brownlow Medallist and 3×All-Australian, rolled back the years with a vintage display to help the Dockers get over the line and their season back on track.
A rampant Sydney brought Hawthorn back down to earth with an almighty bump, whilst also boosting their percentage, in a 76-point mauling at the MCG.
The Hawks picked up their first win of their campaign, last weekend, but were no match for the Swans – Isaac Heeney and Logan McDonald kicking three apiece.
During the half-time interval, AFL legend Lance Franklin, who played for both clubs in an 18-year career (354 appearances, 1066 goals) was presented so he could bid farewell to supporters whilst being interviewed by his ex-teammate Jordan Lewis.
Rory Sloane announces retirement
Izak Rankine, Brayden Cook and Taylor Walker were amongst the goals as Adelaide put up a big score in the interstate thrashing of North Melbourne down in Tassie.
However, the big news from the Crows has come off the pitch with Rory Sloane announcing his retirement, effective immediately, having undergone eye surgery.
Following extensive consultations with doctors and eye specialists. The 34-year-old, who made 255 appearances for the South Australian club. He was left with the difficult decision, but it will avoid causing further damage and, ultimately, maintain his sight.
Gold Coast got back on the right side of the ledger after coming behind to get the chocolates against a recently improved West Coast outfit by 37 points.
Midfielder Noah Anderson (pictured below) was the standout player from this one with a scintillating performance. He racked up both a career-high 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances. As well as an equal eleven inside 50s and even kicked two majors.
Anzac Day Appeal Round Results
Richmond 5.12 (42)
Melbourne 13.7 (85)
Essendon 12.13 (85)
Collingwood 12.13 (85)
GWS 17.11 (113)
Brisbane 8.11 (59)
Port Adelaide 11.16 (82)
St.Kilda 11.6 (72)
North Melbourne 12.9 (81)
Adelaide 20.18 (138)
Geelong 18.10 (118)
Carlton 15.15 (105)
Fremantle 14.11 (95)
Western Bulldogs 10.11 (71)
Gold Coast 17.10 (112)
West Coast 12.3 (75)
Hawthorn 5.12 (42)
Sydney 18.10 (118)
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